Dogs Of War Vu

Sim/Strategy/War => Games Discussion => Topic started by: Yassy on January 26, 2015, 04:50:15 PM

Title: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on January 26, 2015, 04:50:15 PM
I keep on hearing lots of good things about this game. Would it be something that you can play online in digital form somehow?
I know its a tabletop game, but perhaps something like VASSAL has support for it?
And if so, would it be suitable for DoW?


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Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Asid on January 26, 2015, 04:58:09 PM
Hi Yassy

There are some members here that would be interested, time permitting, and it is possible with Vassal.

Here is a good Podcast talking about ASL: http://threemovesahead.libsyn.com/episode-292-advanced-squad-leader
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Beef on January 26, 2015, 05:32:17 PM
There is a VASSL for ASL (VASL) that can be found here: http://vasl.info/download.htm

You need the rules from MMP (Multi Man Publishing) (http://www.multimanpublishing.com/Products/tabid/58/CategoryID/5/Default.aspx) which are available with or without an official binder for $80 or $66 respectively. The current version of the rules is the 2nd Edition. I have the 1st edition and have been brooding over whether to buy the 2nd edition.

There are three ASL Starter Kits (ASLSK) with each kit adding "new dimensions" to the rules (first infantry, then support weapons, then armor rules). It's the rules in baby steps...also available from MMP. There is a good three-part YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQK4lSYgVde_jNL0T6PFdlEsE_Z3IqszK) that shows off the 1st starter kit.

I for one would be very interested.

Beef
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on January 26, 2015, 08:43:09 PM
I would be interested to play, BUT (and this is a big but) a) I've never played any ASL, just heard about it a lot, b) time is always a concern.
Would there be a way to play by email or at least save your ongoing games? Does VASSAL feature AI to practise against?
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Beef on January 26, 2015, 10:26:26 PM
Yes, you can PBEM. Get the starter kit #1 and see how you like it, or not. The kits have a great re-sale value as they sometimes are out of print.
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on January 29, 2015, 02:33:08 PM
Sounds like a plan, but before I do: how long would a game take PBEM?


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Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Stardog765 on January 29, 2015, 05:13:44 PM
Always wanted to play ASL but never had any friends locally that played tabletop wargames.

Definitely interested though sounds way expensive for what it is.  Cheaper to get Tiller's Campaign Series from Matrix. Great classic wargame with PBEM.  :)

 
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Asid on January 29, 2015, 05:36:34 PM
Cheaper to get Tiller's Campaign Series from Matrix.

Tiller... You played one... You played em all.....You've seen one...You'll never see again as the garish colours blind you :o

Advanced Tactics Gold is worth a look http://www.matrixgames.com/products/405/details/Advanced.Tactics:.Gold
Unit Scale: Division, Battalion, Company, Regiment, Brigade, Army
Players: 1-14
AI: Yes
PBEM: Yes

or maybe

TOAWIII http://www.matrixgames.com/products/317/details/Norm.Koger%27s.The.Operational.Art.of.War.III
Unit Scale: Company, Corps
Players: 1-2
AI: Yes
PBEM: Yes
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Stardog765 on January 29, 2015, 06:10:53 PM
Still good games though.

Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Rondor on February 02, 2015, 01:43:30 PM
Played ASL for years.

It's a lifestyle more than a game.

Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Asid on February 02, 2015, 01:44:55 PM
Played ASL for years.

It's a lifestyle more than a game.

Tell us more Rondor :)
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on February 02, 2015, 07:08:15 PM
Ok, I've been able to take a gander at the ASL rules, but I digress. This is going to take a long time in PBEM and seems to be much better with players around the table. :)
I am not going to jump in, sorry.  ;D
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Rondor on February 02, 2015, 11:16:26 PM
Well, where does one start. No doubt the most detailed baord wargame of squad level WW2 ever made.

Pro's:
Amazing fidelity
The rulebook is HUGE.
Every possible geography and battle you can ever imagine.
fully fleshed out rules for ANYTHING you could imagine happening.
HUGE online player base thru VASSAL (VASL).
Tremendous tension for a boardgame...truly.

Con's:
The rulebook is HUGE
Expensive to collect (but easy to sell and prices never go down).
One must spend a shit-ton of time to learn the bells and whistles and it really is best suited to a mentor as opposed to read and learn.
Face-to-face apponents are not easy to come by but if you live in a major city you can usually find one or two.


The ultimate ww2 chess game







Played ASL for years.

It's a lifestyle more than a game.

Tell us more Rondor :)
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Beef on February 03, 2015, 12:47:38 AM
Rondor: Do you have the 2nd Edition of ASL and if so, do you use VASL and do you mentor at all? I have the 1st Edition of ASL and recently bought ASL Starter Kit 1 with the thought of actually playing the game and going to ConSim World eventually.
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Asid on February 03, 2015, 07:58:02 AM
The time commitment is the issue :(

Still....... ;)
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on February 03, 2015, 08:41:10 AM
It does remain enticing! I know! But I really cannot afford it at the moment. :)


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Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on February 03, 2015, 02:20:42 PM
Actually scratch that! I AM going to get the Starter Kit. :D
I mentioned the game to someone I know and he had an unused Starter Kit 1 laying around I could have. So for a modest price I will get the kit in a few days.
At least I can now fiddle around with it for real, see if it actually isn't a fit for me and I can always sell it again on Ebay.

So guys, if any of you ASL-ers are up for some pupil tutoring, I will be game once I get it. :D
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Asid on February 03, 2015, 02:36:01 PM
Keep us updated (images are handy :)  )
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on February 04, 2015, 07:14:40 AM
I will post some pictures once I recieve the kit. :)
Have installed VASL, so I have all the tools ready to begin learning this beast! :D
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Asid on February 04, 2015, 11:57:01 AM
Looking forward to it Yassy :)
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on February 09, 2015, 08:03:49 PM
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/09/af8bdb1e251c9137ae5f8fce941c7faf.jpg)

Its here!

And I've also met a couple of guys who want to teach me how to play.
One of them even lives in the same town as I do! :D :smitten:


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Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Beef on February 10, 2015, 01:44:32 AM
Having someone in your area to teach you ASL is priceless. Good going! Hope to hear more about this.
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Asid on February 10, 2015, 08:21:19 AM
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/09/af8bdb1e251c9137ae5f8fce941c7faf.jpg)

Its here!

And I've also met a couple of guys who want to teach me how to play.
One of them even lives in the same town as I do! :D :smitten:


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Great news Yassy.

please keep us informed as to your progress...with lots of pictures.

Thanks
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on February 22, 2015, 08:21:41 PM
Holy cow, gents. This game has had me glued to my kitchen table! I don't think I've even turned my PC on, save for a schedules session of ASL via VASSAL! :P

As things like this often go; I ended up buying Beyond Valor (the first full ASL module you need, after promoting from the Starter Kits) AND For King and Country (British OOB) AND Rising Sun (PTO - Japs, China and US Marines OOB)... :S

Once these things will be in my hands, expect some extensive pictures.

Also, I stumbled upon 2 guys living just around the corner who are experienced ASL players, so I can play face to face too! Funny how these things can tun out, don't you think?

Anyway, I've had my first baptism by fire on VASL (the VASSAL module to play ASL) by an excellent teacher. Next session is this coming wednesday!
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Asid on February 22, 2015, 11:58:40 PM
Great stuff Yassy

We need pictures and lots of more details please

Thanks
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Yassy on February 23, 2015, 04:28:51 PM
I will try to capture screens wednesday and make more pics of my hardcopy material. :)


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Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Frankie on February 28, 2015, 06:43:42 AM
ASL is a turn-based board game?
(http://www.c3iopscenter.com/currentops/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ASLSanMarinoCeccoliss.jpg?7a42bf)
I remember a long, long time ago, I chanced upon a huge map of Europe that I somehow got from my Dad. I was like 3' by 2' or something. Anyway, I got hold of my dad's plastic draughsman template and with a black pen, I painstakingly drew a hexagon grid on the entire map. That took me several days. The I created my own tokens and my own 'Chance' and 'Utility' cards. And I created a WW2 Eastern Front game...which I played by myself, against myself! Axis invasion of Russia. It included cities like Moscow and Leningrad and the Caucuses. Ah those were the days when your imagination filled in the blanks and any game was fun because what your brain could imagine - was fun indeed.
Title: Re: Advanced Squad Leader
Post by: Tankleader on May 19, 2015, 02:20:15 PM
Hello All,
  I play and enjoy Advanced Squad Leader (ASL), what makes it intimidating for most people is the vast rules sets that apply.  I own all of the base and historical modules as well as the three starter sets.  I've also played on VASL before and enjoyed it, but the digital game still requires that you own and understand the rule sets.  Great game and you can definitely burn through a bunch of time really fast.

Tanks
Andy